Gayla Marie Doughty

Gayla Doughty, age 77, passed away on April 15th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration. She was the devoted wife of 54 years to Raymond Doughty, loving mother of Aaron Doughty and Brent Doughty (Terri Howard), and grandmother to Christian Hatfield, Lexie Hatfield, and Luke Racer. She also leaves behind her brothers, Michael Payne (Leeann Payne) and Harold “Butch” Payne, and her sister LaDonna Craft as well as many nieces and nephews. Gayla was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Payne and Margaret Ann “Margie” Bowen Payne. She was raised in Acme, WV and was a graduate of East Bank High School. She was a life-long Christian in both faith and practice.

Gayla was a beacon of hope for so many. She always motivated others to overcome their limitations and to never stop learning. During her 20+ years working at West Virginia State College, she helped develop the ‘College At Any Age’ program which encouraged adults to return to the classroom. Gayla herself was a non-traditional student finishing her degree at the age of 49. Her giving nature also saw her volunteering for many literacy  and outreach programs within the community.

Outside the textbook, Gayla also loved art. She was eager to tackle any media she could: cross-stitch, crochet, sketching, painting, and stained glass just to name a few. While her talent was sometimes dubious, her enthusiasm was always infectious. She would happily show her creations and push others to create beside her.

Gayla's legacy extends beyond her remarkable accomplishments, talents, and boundless love for those around her; she embodied resilience, never yielding in the face of adversity. Even as her health faltered, her spirit never waned. She will be greatly missed, because she is greatly loved.

Visitation will begin at 10:00am on Thursday, April 18th with a funeral service lead by Pastor Melissa Pratt at 11:00am. The service will conclude at noon followed by paying final respects at Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens in Glasgow at 1:30pm

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